//
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
One of only two Hindu temples in Bangkok, the Sri Mariamman Temple is actually a great experience. It was created in the 1860s by Tamil immigrants, and as with any temple found in India, it is unique, very colourful and ornately detailed. It generally is a busy temple with a constant stream of worshipers lighting incense sticks and plenty of ceremonies going on. Besides Indians, there are also Thai visitors as Buddha images stand side by side Hindu deities inside the temple. As it is the most sacred place for the Indian community in Bangkok, taking pictures inside the temple compound is not allowed.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Housed in an old (but beautifully restored) Portuguese shophouse, this is probably the only gallery in Bangkok totally devoted to the art of photography. Its owner, photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom, tried to resemble the photographers' shops of old, where visitors walked in and carefully chose one of the prints on sale. The gallery on the ground floor is all about the work of the owner, while the (tiny) upper floor has changing exhibitions. There's also a book corner for those more interested in photography.
ห้องสมุดเนียลสัน เฮส์
A beautiful European-style building from the late 19th century with a library, two art galleries, creative workshops and a café. The library has the largest collection of English language books in Bangkok, catering to the many English-speaking expats in the area. The art galleries have paintings, photos, textiles and ceramics on show depending on the exhibition, and many artworks are available for sale. The café (09:00-18:00 daily) has free Wi-Fi.
The highest observation deck in Thailand is located on the roof of Thailand's second-tallest skyscraper (314 meters, 78 floors) and offers a 360-degree panoramic city view. The 74th floor features an enclosed platform with views through panoramic windows, while the summit has an open Skywalk area with a glass floor at 310 meters high. From above, stunning sights of Baiyoke Sky, the Chao Phraya River, and Lumpini Park unfold, with a bar available on the roof.
พิพิธภัณฑ์เปลือกหอย กรุงเทพ
Boutique wellness salon in Silom offering Vietnamese-style head spa, scalp treatments, and Thai or aroma massages in private rooms. Sessions run 60–120 minutes and booking is advised.
โรบอท บิวดิ้ง
Probably one of the few buildings that puts a smile on your face, the Robot Building, well, looks like a giant robot. It was designed by Sumet Jumsai in the mid-1980s and is meant to reflect the computerization of banking. It is an odd building, and Jumsai has stated that it could be regarded as a reaction against high-tech postmodern buildings common in that time. The antennas and eyes of the robot are not just for the looks, but all have practical functions. Now the building has a kind of retro feel. It is closed to the public, but you can best see it riding the Skytrain between Chong Nonsi and Sala Daeng BTS stations. So take a look from the window!